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Gabapentin Capsules

Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves). The active ingredient in Gabapentin is gabapentin.

Why have I been prescribed Gabapentin?

Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves).

The active ingredient in Gabapentin is gabapentin.

How does it work?

It works by increasing the amount of a certain chemical in the brain which has the effect of calming the brain down and stop the nerves firing inappropriately.

When and how do I take it?

Gabapentin is for oral use. Always sallow the capsules or tablets whole with plenty of water.

What’s the dose?

Adults and adolescents:

Take the number of capsules or tablets as instructed. Your doctor will usually build up your dose gradually. The starting dose will generally be between 300 mg and 900 mg each day.

Thereafter, the dose may be increased as instructed by your doctor up to a maximum of 3600 mg each day and your doctor will tell you to take this in 3 separate doses, i.e. once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

Children aged 6 years and above:

The dose to be given to your child will be decided by your doctor as it is calculated against your child’s weight. The treatment is started with a low initial dose which is gradually increased over a period of approximately 3 days. The usual dose to control epilepsy is 25-35 mg per kg per day.

It is usually given in 3 separate doses, by taking the capsule(s) or tablet(s) each day, usually once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

Gabapentin is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age.

Peripheral Neuropathic Pain the usual dose is:

Adults:

Take the number of capsules or tablets as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will usually build up your dose gradually. The starting dose will generally be between 300 mg and 900 mg each day. Thereafter, the dose may be increased as instructed by your doctor up to a maximum of 3600 mg each day and your doctor will tell you to take this in 3 separate doses, i.e. once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

Could it interact with other tablets?

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Medicines containing morphine:

If you are taking any medicines containing morphine, please tell your doctor or pharmacist as morphine may increase the effect of Gabapentin.

Can I drink Alcohol while taking it?

Always check with your pharmacist or doctor though, as other medicines you may be taking may be affected by alcohol.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Gabapentin should not be taken during pregnancy, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor. Effective contraception must be used by women of child-bearing potential.

Gabapentin, the active substance of Gabapentin, is passed on through human milk. Because the effect on the baby is unknown, it is not recommended to breast-feed while using Gabapentin.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.